THE PRESIDENT: Bienvenidos. (Applause.) Laura and I are honored to
host so many distinguished Hispanic Americans, and Mexican leaders here
in the Jardin de Rosa. (Laughter.) Welcome to the White House. The way
I see it is mi casa es su casa. (Laughter and applause.) I always look
forward to Cinco de Mayo, especially because it gives me a chance to
practice my Spanish. My only problem this year is I scheduled the
dinner on quatro de Mayo. (Laughter.) Next year I'm going to have to
work on my math. (Laughter.)

I want to thank you all for coming. I particularly want to thank
the Attorney General of the United States, Alberto Gonzales, for
joining us. (Applause.) The Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez,
and Edi. (Applause.) SBA Administrator Hector Barreto, and his wife
Robin. (Applause.) Anna Cabral, and Victor. Anna Cabral is the
Treasurer of the United States. Welcome, Anna. (Applause.) Eduardo
Aguirre, who is the Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services. (Applause.)

These guys said they want to get to know you, Eduardo. (Laughter.)
By the way, Eduardo has been announced, and upon Senate confirmation
will become the U.S. Ambassador to Spain. (Applause.)

I want to thank Christian Castro, recording artist who is going to
perform tonight. I appreciate Jaci Velasquez -- where's Jaci? Jackie is
somewhere. (Applause.) There she is. Thanks. She's going to emcee. I
want to thank Mariachi Sol de Mexico. (Applause.)

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a joyful moment in Mexican history.
Tonight we're proud to celebrate that moment together. The United
States and Mexico are united by ties of family, faith in God, and a
deep love for freedom.

More than 25 million men and women of Mexican origin now make their
homes in the United States. And they're making our nation more vibrant
and more hopeful every day. Mexican Americans have enriched the
American experience with contributions to music and dancing and the
arts. Latino entrepreneurs are starting their own businesses all across
America, and are creating jobs and trading in freedom with businesses
across borders. More Hispanic Americans own their own homes today than
ever before. And Mexican Americans are firmly committed to leaving no
child behind in America.

Mexican Americans are also strengthening our country with their
patriotism and service. Thousands of Mexican Americans have sacrificed
in the Armed Services for our freedom. And more than 8,700 men and
women born in Mexico now wear the uniform of the United States
military. (Applause.) These dedicated men and women are making America
safer, and they're making the world safer. And they're carrying on the
courage and devotion that inspired an outnumbered band of Mexican
soldiers to victory in the Battle of Pueblo on the cinco de Mayo,
1862.

Here at the White House, the triumph of Cinco de Mayo was
recognized by President Abraham Lincoln. And through the generations,
Americans have continued to look on our neighbor to the south with
fondness and deep respect. Tonight we look to the future with
confidence in our warm and growing friendship. And so now it is my
pleasure to offer a toast: May God bless the people of Mexico, and all
the sons and daughters of Mexico who call America home. Que Dios los
bendiga.